Which capital is right for you. The capital of Canada, Ottawa, or the capital of Ontario, Toronto? I discuss all things you need to know about Canada’s best cities from food, fun and transport.
- Food
This is definitely my favourite activity to explore in a new city. Toronto and Ottawa both have a similar range of options from fast food to classier sit-down meals. Both cater to all food needs from burgers and pizza to healthier options such as salads and sandwiches. However, a standout restaurant in Toronto was definitely The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro. From drinking beverages out of jugs and their fun named burgers, this place makes a standard burger and fries even more exciting. I have just discovered that they also have locations in Ottawa, so I’ll definitely be going back!
- Sport
I have never really been one to attend sporting events but being in Canada has definitely changed that. Ottawa offers great games of football and ice hockey, but in Toronto there was a strong focus on basketball. Attending a basketball game where the Toronto Raptors were playing was definitely a must do, especially as you may even see Drake on the side line (I’m pretty sure I did!).
- Size
Toronto is certainly a bigger city that Ottawa. But like any city it just takes time to find everything and get used to a new place. I am probably being biased, but Ottawa was an easier city to get used to living in, especially when moving here all alone. That being said, I’m sure if I moved to Toronto, I would just as easily be able to navigate myself there as well.
- Transport
Due to the size of Toronto I am not surprised that the city has four modes of public transport from; buses, trains, trams and the subway. Although Ottawa does not have a subway, it is quite easy to get around on the bus as it is a smaller city. However, in Toronto it did make travelling a lot quicker by using the subway especially as they came every three minutes.
- Street Art
Although I have not yet explored a lot of the street art in Ottawa, I can probably guess that it does not have a whole street dedicated to it. Graffiti Alley in Toronto was certainly unique and made for a memorable experience when trying to take ‘artsy’ pictures of me and my friends. Toronto also had some great other sports for viewing street art, such as under bridges and in Chinatown.
- Iconic Attractions
Both cities have plenty of attractions to choose from. In Ottawa visiting Parliament Hill is a memorable choice, especially when there is light show on (these are usually in the summer and near Christmas). In Toronto, there are a plethora of attractions to choose from. Two of my favourites were taking a ferry to the Toronto Islands and going up the CN Tower. Both have stunning views.
